Fast Facts
The numbers that drive our mission. Share these — they save lives.
Lives Lost Every Day
17 people die every single day waiting for an organ transplant. That's one person every 85 minutes — and every one of them had someone who loved them.
People on the Waitlist Right Now
Over 103,000 Americans are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant at this very moment. The list grows faster than donors can keep up.
New Yorkers Waiting
Roughly 8,000 of your neighbors, coworkers, and classmates across New York State are on the transplant waitlist. This is local.
One Donor, Many Lives
A single organ donor can save up to 8 lives through transplants — and heal 75 or more people through tissue donation. One decision, dozens of futures.
The Support-Action Gap
90% of US adults say they support organ donation — but only about 60% are actually registered. That 30-point gap costs lives. A simple default change could close it.
New York's Registration Problem
New York has historically ranked near the bottom nationally for donor registration. The rate has been climbing — crossing 50% in late 2024 — but there's still a long way to go.
Countries With Opt-Out Systems
Over 30 countries — including Spain, the UK, France, Austria, the Netherlands, Argentina, Chile, and Singapore — already use opt-out organ donation. It's not radical. It's the global standard.
The Kidney Crisis
85% of people on the national transplant waitlist need a kidney. Kidneys are by far the most needed organ — and the wait can stretch five years or more.
Living Donors Give to Family
66% of living organ donors give to a family member. When you register, you're not helping a stranger in the abstract — you may be protecting someone you love.
Religions That Oppose Donation
Zero. No major world religion — Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, or otherwise — opposes organ donation after death. Faith leaders across the board call it an act of compassion.
Youth Are Ready to Act
Young Americans are more civically engaged than any generation in 50 years. Over 80% of Gen Z say they support organ donation — they just need a clear path to register.
Never Too Old to Save a Life
Cecil Lockhart became an organ donor at age 95 — the oldest on record. There is no age limit. If you have a healthy organ, you can be someone's miracle.
The Data, Visualized
Explore the numbers behind the organ donation crisis.
Registration Rates: Opt-Out vs. Opt-In
Countries with opt-out systems consistently outperform opt-in countries.
The pattern is clear: opt-out systems produce 20–40% higher registration rates. That translates directly into lives saved.
What Organs Are People Waiting For?
Out of 103,000+ people on the national transplant waitlist
The kidney crisis dominates the waitlist. 85% of people waiting need a kidney, and the average wait is 3–5 years. Living donation can help — you only need one kidney to live a full, healthy life.
Myths vs. Facts
Tap each myth to reveal the truth. How many did you believe?
“Doctors won't try as hard to save me if I'm a registered donor.”
Tap to reveal the truth →
“I'm too old to be an organ donor.”
Tap to reveal the truth →
“My religion doesn't allow organ donation.”
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“If I donate, my body won't be suitable for an open-casket funeral.”
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“Rich or famous people get organs faster.”
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“Organ donation costs money for the donor's family.”
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Did You Know?
Test your organ donation knowledge with our quick quiz!